With food prices continuing to climb and the cost of living squeezing households nationwide, South Africans are becoming increasingly mindful of where and how they shop. For many families, finding the cheapest grocery store has become as important as the grocery list itself.
To help you stretch every rand further, we’ve taken a closer look at prices across major supermarket chains this August and rounded up the top 5 most affordable grocery stores in South Africa right now.
Top 5 Budget Grocery Stores in SA (August 2025)
Whether you’re buying basics like bread and milk or stocking up for the month, these retailers are offering the best value this month:
- Boxer
- Shoprite
- Pick n Pay
- Makro
- Checkers
These stores stood out for their competitive prices on essential items, frequent discounts, and wide availability across the country.
Side-by-Side Price Comparison (Selected Essentials)
To give you a clear sense of where to shop for the best value, here’s a quick look at how prices compare for common household staples:
| Item | Boxer | Shoprite | Pick n Pay | Makro | Checkers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bread (loaf) | R10.95 | R10.99 | R11.00 | R11.15 | R11.20 |
| Milk (1L) | R12.40 | R12.50 | R12.60 | R12.85 | R12.80 |
| Sugar (1kg) | R15.95 | R15.99 | R16.20 | R16.10 | R16.50 |
| Rice (5kg) | R64.80 | R65.00 | R65.50 | R66.00 | R66.20 |
| Cooking Oil (2L) | R44.95 | R45.00 | R45.90 | R46.00 | R46.50 |
| Eggs (Dozen) | R25.80 | R25.99 | R26.00 | R26.10 | R26.30 |
| Chicken (1kg) | R59.80 | R60.00 | R60.50 | R61.00 | R61.20 |
| Apples (1kg) | R19.95 | R20.00 | R20.30 | R20.40 | R20.50 |
Conclusion: Boxer and Shoprite consistently come out on top for affordability, especially on everyday basics like bread, milk, and sugar.
Why These Stores Are Cheaper
Several factors help these chains keep their prices lower:
- Boxer focuses on low-income communities and uses simplified store formats to reduce overhead.
- Shoprite buys in huge volumes and passes bulk savings to consumers.
- Pick n Pay has improved its private-label offerings, offering quality at lower prices.
- Makro thrives on bulk-buy savings, ideal for large families or shared households.
- Checkers runs aggressive promotions, especially through its rewards program.
Money-Saving Tips for Grocery Shopping
Even at the cheapest store, smart shopping can save you more. Here’s how:
Use Loyalty Cards:
Sign up for programs like Shoprite Xtra Savings or Pick n Pay Smart Shopper to unlock member-only discounts.
Compare Prices Weekly:
Grocery prices can change weekly. Use price-comparison apps or flyers to track deals.
Buy in Bulk:
Non-perishables like rice, toilet paper, and oil are cheaper when bought in larger quantities especially at Makro.
Stick to a List:
Impulse buys can quickly blow your budget. Plan your meals and shop with purpose.
Check the Lower Shelves:
Big brands often pay for eye-level placement. Cheaper alternatives are usually lower down or on promotion.
Know What Affects Grocery Prices
Understanding why prices fluctuate helps you shop smarter. Key drivers include:
- Global fuel prices – which affect transport costs.
- Seasonal changes – fresh produce is often cheaper in-season.
- Exchange rates – especially for imported goods.
- Loadshedding – which disrupts supply chains and cold storage.
- Weather events – like droughts or floods that impact farming.
FAQ: Grocery Shopping in South Africa (August 2025)
Q: Is it still cheaper to shop in-store than online?
A: Usually yes, but online platforms sometimes run exclusive digital-only deals. Just factor in delivery fees.
Q: Are generic/store brands worth buying?
A: Absolutely. Store brands have improved a lot in quality and can be 10–20% cheaper.
Q: When’s the best time to shop?
A: Mid-week mornings often have the most marked-down items, especially perishables.
Q: How often should I shop for best savings?
A: Weekly shopping allows you to take advantage of sales and avoid bulk spoilage.
Final Takeaway: Shop Smart, Save More
No matter where you live in South Africa, the grocery store you choose and how you shop can make a real difference to your monthly budget.
For August 2025, Boxer and Shoprite continue to lead in affordability, but don’t underestimate the value of promotions at Checkers or bulk deals at Makro.
Keep your shopping list tight, your loyalty cards ready, and your eyes on the specials. That’s how you stay ahead in today’s economy.
